Emergency Preparedness / Health and Safety

Emergency preparedness & safety

Keeping students safe is our first priority. Captain Meares maintains a detailed Emergency Preparedness Plan, developed with School District 84, the Tahsis Fire Department, and local emergency services. Staff are trained each year, and students practise emergency drills throughout the year so that everyone knows how to respond calmly and safely.

Drills we practise each year

Drills are planned, age-appropriate, and followed by check-ins with students. Over the school year our students practise:

6× Fire drills
3× Earthquake drills
2× Tsunami drills
2× Lockdown drills
1× Hold & Secure drill
Our response protocols, explained

If a safety concern arises, staff use one of the following responses. Knowing what each one means can help you talk with your child about them.

Drop, Cover, Hold On
Used during an earthquake. Students take cover under a desk or table, away from windows, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Evacuation
Used when it is safer to be outside the building, such as during a fire. Students leave the building with their class to a safe assembly area. In the event of a tsunami threat, students then move to higher ground.
Shelter-in-Place
Used for an environmental concern such as severe weather, poor air quality, or wildlife near the school. Everyone stays inside and classes continue as normal.
Hold & Secure
Used when there is a concern in the community or surrounding area, but no direct threat inside the school. Exterior doors are locked and learning continues as normal inside.
Lockdown
Used only when there is a serious safety concern inside or directly related to the school. Doors are locked, lights are off, and students stay quiet and out of sight with their teacher until the RCMP or Principal gives the all-clear.
In a major emergency — how families can help

If a major emergency happens during the school day, our staff will care for your child until they can be safely released to you. You can help us most by following these steps:

Please do not phone the school or your child. Phone lines and cell networks must stay clear for emergency responders, and staff may be trying to reach families.

Come to the school in person when it is safe to travel. Students will not be released any other way.

Students are released only to a parent, guardian, or authorized emergency contact. You will be asked to sign your child out at the release station. Please bring photo ID.

If there is a tsunami threat, students are moved to higher ground — St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, or the school’s designated high-ground site if there is not enough time to cross the community. Reunification will happen there.

Keep your contact information current. Please make sure the school always has up-to-date phone numbers and emergency contacts. This is the single most helpful thing you can do before an emergency.

Health emergencies: AED & naloxone on site

In line with provincial policy, CMESS keeps an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a naloxone kit on site, both clearly marked and accessible. Designated staff receive annual training, and the equipment is checked monthly. Grade 10 students learn CPR and AED use as part of the Physical and Health Education curriculum.

Help your family prepare

Being ready at home matters too. Make a family plan and decide where you will meet, keep a 72-hour supply of water and food, and talk with your children about emergencies. PreparedBC has free guides to help your family get started.